The Chicago Cubs have invited 18 non-roster players to participate in their spring training camp as the team prepares for the upcoming season in Mesa, Arizona. This group, which includes pitchers, catchers, infielders, and outfielders, represents an important opportunity for these players to showcase their skills and compete for a spot on the big-league roster.
Detailed Breakdown of Invited Players by Position
The invited players include eight pitchers: Jeff Brigham, Grant Kipp, Corbin Martin, Connor Noland, Connor Schultz, Collin Snider, Trent Thornton, and Jaxon Wiggins. Among catchers, Ariel Armas, Christian Bethancourt, and Casey Optiz received invites. Infielders joining the camp are Scott Kingery, Jonathon Long, B.J. Murray, and Jefferson Rojas. Outfielders include Brett Bateman, Dylan Carlson, and Chas McCormick.
Notable Prospects and Potential Impact Players
This group features promising prospects such as Jaxon Wiggins and Jefferson Rojas. Additionally, experienced position players like Scott Kingery, Dylan Carlson, and Chas McCormick provide depth during spring training. Carlson, a former first-round pick by the St. Louis Cardinals, and McCormick, who performed well when healthy in Houston, have strong chances to earn a role as the Cubs’ fourth outfielder to support the team’s starters. Both outfielders can cover all three outfield spots, presenting valuable versatility.
Upcoming Workouts and Next Steps for Players
The Cubs will conduct their first official workout for pitchers and catchers at their Mesa complex on Wednesday, followed by a full-squad workout scheduled for the following Monday. These sessions are crucial for the organization to evaluate the invited players and determine roster decisions as the season approaches.
